Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) Opens ... Gyeongnam Residents Hoped for This

Opening Anniversary Commemorative Meeting Held

The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), which will lead South Korea's rise as one of the world's top five aerospace nations, was officially launched on the 27th.

Established in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, KASA will play a pivotal role in formulating policies, conducting research and technological development, and advancing industrialization in the country's aerospace sector.

On this day, Gyeongnam Province held a commemorative meeting in the provincial government conference room, inviting local institution representatives, aerospace company leaders, employees, and students from related schools to hear opinions on the future direction of KASA and Gyeongnam Province.

The meeting, held under the theme "Hopes for the Launch of KASA," included a progress report on KASA's establishment, a congratulatory video reflecting the expectations and welcome of local residents, an open discussion, and a statement from the governor.

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is speaking at the commemorative meeting for the opening of the Space Aviation Agency. Photo by Lee Seryoung

Governor Park Wansu stated, "KASA, which our residents have long hoped for, has finally begun operations today," adding, "This meeting is an opportunity for Gyeongnam Province, Sacheon City, and related institutions to come together and discuss what needs to be done to ensure KASA firmly takes root and settles in Gyeongnam."

He continued, "I hope KASA will quickly settle in our region and fulfill its role as the core of Korea's aerospace industry," and promised, "We will carefully organize the ideas shared here and reflect them in provincial and city policies."

Mayor Park Dongsik of Sacheon said, "With the launch of KASA, Sacheon will become a complex city concentrated with aerospace industries like Toulouse, France," emphasizing, "Full support from the central government and Gyeongnam Province is essential to build a truly integrated aerospace city."

To this end, he requested bold support and development plans in the aerospace sector, including: ▲early opening of KASA's main office ▲increasing and establishing new routes at Sacheon Airport and its expansion ▲including the Sacheon Space Aerospace Line in the 5th National Railroad Network Plan ▲discovering key regional growth models.

A commemorative meeting for the opening of the Space Aviation Agency is being held in the provincial government meeting room of Gyeongnam Provincial Office.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Office]

Kwon Soonki, President of Gyeongsang National University, said, "Gyeongsang National University established the world's first College of Aerospace this year and welcomed its first class of freshmen. We are also operating a glocal university focused on establishing the Gyeongnam Aerospace Defense Science and Technology Institute," adding, "Based on this, we will nurture talent tailored to the needs of companies."

He further stated, "We will actively work to improve educational conditions, such as turning private middle and high schools in Sacheon into specialized schools to enhance residential conditions, and supporting small hospitals to be operated under the university hospital system in connection with Gyeongsang National University Hospital, all to contribute to the establishment and development of the integrated aerospace city."

Choi Cheoljin, President of the Korea Institute of Materials Science, said, "For the aerospace industry to advance, it must expand from government-led to private sector-led initiatives," and pledged, "We will actively participate in Gyeongnam's aerospace industry by focusing on the development, testing, and certification of materials that can withstand extreme environments, such as ultra-high and ultra-low temperatures."

Yoon Jongho, Vice President of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), remarked, "After the launch of KASA, we must not overlook industrialization," adding, "For the industry to grow, private-sector-led development, long-term government planning, and consistent investment are essential."

Vice President Yoon emphasized, "To industrialize the aerospace sector, KAI will take on challenges such as manufacturing Urban Air Mobility (UAM), developing electric propulsion engines, and advancing reusable and air-launched vehicle technologies. We aim to ensure that manufacturing, quality certification, testing, and launch vehicle integration can all be carried out in Gyeongnam, making aerospace a key industry for the province."

Hwang Gunho, CEO of GTL, a startup developing satellite antenna systems for low-orbit satellite tracking, said, "The space industry requires significant development costs and time to achieve results," and requested, "Please provide full support so that startups in the space industry can succeed and young engineers do not have to give up due to lack of funding."

Attendees of the Aerospace Administration's opening commemorative meeting are taking a group photo. Photo by Lee Seryoung

Jung Eunji, Deputy Manager at ANH Structure, an aircraft parts research and manufacturing company, said, "There are difficulties when new or existing aerospace projects are suddenly terminated due to policy or situational changes," and suggested maintaining sustainability, attracting new talent, and ensuring steady investment.

Shin Youngcheol, President of the Gyeongnam Small Business Association, stated, "With the launch of KASA, we expect population inflow and revitalization of the local economy, which will ease the burden on small business owners," adding, "We will seek ways for mutual growth between KASA and small businesses."

Lim Sohyun, a student in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Gyeongsang National University, urged for ▲expansion of aerospace industry internships ▲bridging the gap between large and small companies ▲increased recruitment of local university talent.

Park Sangik, a student at Gyeongnam Aviation High School, hoped for ▲expansion of high school graduate recruitment in the aerospace sector ▲activation of field-oriented education programs ▲hiring of field expert teachers ▲implementation of domestic and international aerospace company tours and training.

Choi Jaeho, Chairman of the Gyeongnam Chamber of Commerce Council, said, "About 13,000 people are employed by 242 aerospace-related companies in the province," and suggested, "We need to consider ways for not only large corporations but also small businesses to grow together, and to revitalize the aerospace industry, an Aerospace Industry Promotion Agency should be established in Gyeongnam."

Kim Ilsu, Chairman of the Economic and Environmental Committee of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council, stated, "I hope KASA will faithfully fulfill its role and function so that the aerospace industry can expand and be fostered," adding, "We will support our companies so they can advance beyond the domestic market and into the global arena."

Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is greeting attendees at the commemorative meeting for the opening of the Space Aviation Agency. Photo by Lee Seryeong

Governor Park said, "Although Korea joined the aerospace sector somewhat late, our strong industrial foundation will allow us to catch up quickly," adding, "Currently, the aerospace industry is dependent on government demand and accounts for only 1% of total industrial output, but we can expect explosive growth and significant expansion of the space market and industry in the future, so let us work together with hope."